BEAM Aesthetic Lounge in Manhattan Beach, California eschews the sterile look of many medical practices for a more sleek, modern aesthetic. Designed by Elsie Home + Design, the new medical spa is sophisticated yet approachable and warm.
Initially commissioned to redesign the reception area with new chairs and lighting, Elsie Home + Design founder Lauren Meichtry was eventually brought on board to revamp the entire facility.
The 720-square-foot space posed several design challenges, including low ceilings that created a cramped and cluttered atmosphere. Meichtry’s primary focus was to elevate the ceilings to provide a sense of openness and luxury, while maintaining an inviting, gender-neutral, and calming environment for clients.
To achieve this, Meichtry brought the doors up to the ceiling, creating an illusion of a larger area, and designed an arched bookshelf with fluted details, which seamlessly blends into the wall. For the neutral palette, several design elements were utilized including limewash paint, textured wallpaper, a built-in channel-tufted bench, and strategically placed wood accents.
Given the nature of BEAM as a medical spa, certain considerations were taken into account. Surfaces, for instance, needed to be nonporous and able to withstand heavy disinfecting solutions, resulting in the use of Formica—a choice that was practical, but posed aesthetic challenges. As a solution, Meichtry worked closely with a cabinet fabricator to create a custom stain that seamlessly matched the Formica and blended with the overall design narrative.
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